UNESCO ICM Martial Arts Education Award 2025: An Opportunity for Cape Verde
The UNESCO ICM Martial Arts Education Award is a global recognition for individuals and organisations that demonstrate excellence in promoting martial arts education as a tool for personal, social and cultural development. The 2025 edition represents a unique opportunity for Cape Verde to highlight its innovative projects and initiatives in this area.
What is the UNESCO ICM Martial Arts Education Award?
The prize, established in partnership with the UNESCO International Centre for Martial Arts (ICM), aims to:
- To recognise and reward individuals and organisations that make a significant contribution to martial arts education.
- To promote the importance of martial arts as a tool for integral development, including the promotion of peace, tolerance and mutual respect.
- To encourage innovation and excellence in martial arts education worldwide.
Selection Criteria
Candidates are assessed on the basis of strict criteria, which include:
- Impact and scope of the project or initiative.
- Innovation and creativity in the approach to martial arts education.
- Sustainability and potential for replicating the project.
- Contribution to the personal, social and cultural development of the participants.
Martial Arts in Cape Verde: An Overview
Cape Verde has a rich tradition of various forms of martial arts, although not always formally recognised or structured. African, Portuguese and Brazilian influence has contributed to the development of unique practices, often linked to local culture and history. Although there is no martial art "native" to Cape Verde in the strict sense, the practice of capoeira, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and other modalities is growing and plays an important role in physical education and social development, especially among young people.
Participating in martial arts in Cape Verde offers many benefits:
- Physical development: Improves strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance.
- Mental Development: Promotes discipline, concentration, self-confidence and self-control.
- Social Development: It fosters respect, co-operation, tolerance and team spirit.
- Cultural Preservation: In some cases, martial arts help to preserve traditions and cultural values.
Opportunities for Cape Verde in the UNESCO Prize
The UNESCO ICM Martial Arts Education Prize 2025 represents an excellent opportunity for Cape Verde:
- International recognition: Highlighting Cape Verdean projects and initiatives on the global stage.
- Financing: The prize offers a monetary value that can be used to expand and strengthen the winning projects.
- Networking: Connect with other martial arts professionals and organisations around the world.
- Inspiration: To inspire other initiatives and projects in Cape Verde and other countries.
Examples of Eligible Projects
Projects that could be eligible for the prize include:
- Martial arts programmes for young people at social risk, aimed at preventing violence and promoting social inclusion.
- Initiatives that use martial arts as a tool for peace education and conflict resolution.
- Projects that promote gender equality and female empowerment through martial arts.
- Programmes that integrate martial arts with other subjects, such as physical education, history and culture.
How to Apply for the Prize
The application process for the UNESCO ICM Martial Arts Education Prize is usually carried out online, via the UNESCO website. It is important to read the guidelines and selection criteria carefully before preparing your application. The application must include a detailed description of the project or initiative, its objectives, its activities, its results and its impact.
It is recommended that Cape Verdean applicants seek the support of the Permanent Delegation of Cape Verde to UNESCO and other relevant institutions for information and guidance on the application process.
Conclusion
The UNESCO ICM Martial Arts Education Prize 2025 is an unmissable opportunity for Cape Verde to demonstrate its commitment to education and development through martial arts. By participating in this award, Cape Verde can not only gain international recognition and funding for its projects, but also inspire other initiatives and contribute to building a more just, peaceful and inclusive world. We encourage all organisations and individuals involved in martial arts education in Cape Verde to seriously consider applying for the award.
Don't miss this opportunity to shine on the global stage! Prepare your application and show the world the transformative power of martial arts in Cape Verde.
Call to Action:
For more information about the prize and the application process, visit UNESCO's official website.
Application deadline: 19 June 2025.
